Enable and Apply a Virtual Background
The virtual background features allows you to display an image or video as your background during a Zoom meeting, which can provide you with more privacy or a consistent and professional look for a presentation.
On This Page:
Depending on the device you are using, you can use the virtual background feature with or without the use of a green screen behind you, with the system requirements being higher for virtual background use without a green screen. View the recommended setups with and without a green screen (opens in a new tab).
If you don't have your own images or videos for use as a virtual background, you can simply blur the background (opens in a new tab) instead.
Prerequisites and System Requirements
There are two prerequisites you must meet to be able to use the virtual background feature.
- Your computer or device meets the system requirements for Virtual Background (opens in a new tab).
- The Virtual Background feature must be enabled for use on your account.
Enable Virtual Background
To enable the virtual background feature for your own use:
Step 1
Within a web browser, navigate and sign in to the University Zoom web portal (opens in a new tab).
Step 2
Select Settings from the navigation menu.
Step 3
Within the Meeting tab, navigate to the Virtual Background option (under the In Meeting (Advanced) section) and verify that the setting is enabled. If the setting is disabled, select the status toggle to enable it.
Apply a Virtual Background for Windows | macOS
Step 1
Step 2
Select your profile picture, then select the Settings.
Step 3
Select Background & Effects.
Note
If you do not have the Virtual Background tab and you have enabled it on the web portal, sign out of the Zoom client and sign in again.
Step 4
Check I have a green screen if you have a physical green screen set up. You can then select on your video to choose the correct color for the green screen.
Step 5
Select an image or video to choose the desired virtual background.
(Optional) Add your own image by selecting the Add image or video button and choosing the image or video you have saved to your device.
If prompted, select Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen.
Note
- To disable Virtual Background, open the virtual background options again in the Zoom client and choose the option None.
- Ensure that you are using a solid background color when I have a green screen is checked.
- After you select an option, that virtual background will be used for your future meetings on that particular device.
- For more information about the Blur option, please refer to the Blurred background article (opens in a new tab).